Gale L. Newell, 63, of Grandview Washington passed away suddenly on Tuesday, October 9, 2012 in Sunnyside Washington. Gale was born on February 12, 1949 in Tacoma Washington, the son of Ralph A. and Alma L. (Hayner) Newell. In 1958 he with his family moved to Grandview where he received his education and graduated from Grandview High School with the Class of 1967. He later attended Yakima Valley Community College where he received his Associates Degree in Electronics. After only three dates, he proposed and on November 6, 1971 he married Janis L. Fox at the Grandview Methodist Church.
Gale became a highly skilled electrician and technician over a 20 year tenure at the James River Corporation in Sunnyside Washington. In 1993 Gale transitioned into a career at Milne Fruit in Prosser Washington until his retirement in May 2012. It has been said by those who worked with him that he could troubleshoot and fix or build just about anything. He could fabricate and build parts for any device, Gale many years ago built his very own telescope which allowed him to share the stars with his family. As a side hobby he also fabricated belt buckles, not to sell, but to express his talent for making beautiful things and to share that with the world.
Gale loved remote control airplanes which he built, flew and crashed on occasion, he loved cars , and all things mechanical. He loved salmon fishing and vacationing at his favorite spot of West Port Washington. Gale planned special getaway’s every weekend to “Miners Drive In” in Yakima to enjoy their fine cuisine and a simple drive through the countryside. He enjoyed and had a passion for reading and learning all U.S./World History that he could gets his hands on. His favorite historical quote, “From this day to the ending of the world, we in it shall be remembered, we lucky few, we band of brothers, for he who today sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.” -Henry V addressing his men.
Gale loved and was truly dedicated to his family, friends and colleagues. Gale loved many things but his grandchildren, Wyatt, Lauren and Aubrey were truly the love of his life. Gale is survived by his wife, Janis Newell of Grandview. Two Children, Holli Matthew (Yeshua) of Spokane, Washington, and Kevin Newell (Lessly) of Leesburg, Virginia. Three Wonderful Grandchildren, Lauren, Aubrey, and Wyatt. He is also survived by his two brothers, Karl Newell (Marianne) of Waitsburg, Washington, and Dale Newell (Sandra) of Sequim Washington along with several nieces and nephews. His Mother-in-Law Nadene Fox of Prosser Washington, and his Brother-in-Law Ron Fox (Ardean) of Grandview. He is preceded in death by his parents, and Father-in-Law, Lawrence “Cub” Fox.
Memorial funeral service will be held on Monday, October 15, 2012 at 2:00p.m. at the Smith Funeral Home, Grandview Washington. Those wishing to honor Gale’s memory may contribute to the American Cancer Society, Heart Fund or the H.H.T. Foundation International. If you would like to sign Gale’s online memorial book you may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Home LTD and Crematory in charge of arrangements.
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